The Searchers

Runtime: 119 min

Directed By: John Ford

Starring: John Wayne and a German guy as the Chief Indian

This being my first John Wayne film, I could not understand why people idealize him.  After some reading I realized it is because this is the role he did not normally play and he played it perfectly.  I felt sorry for him.  He was a real character with flaws and depth.  The search for his niece was a goal and it was something to do, a means to a purpose.

I wonder if it is worth it to spend five years to find someone who has been captured.  I think I would fit in with the Indians who would stop chasing something eventually more so than Ethan who would chase it forever.  At some point it seems like there is reason to move on.  When is one life worth two?  When is it worth more?  What if in the search a dozen men died?  I think the struggle Ethan undergoes is one that we can relate to our own quests.  Whether it be a job, a spouse or some possession, it seems we are all searchers.  At some point the search far exceeds the object and it seems that aside from ego, it would be prudent to reevaluate.  Would that be a passionless life?

Technique- 6

Production Quality- 8

Story- 8

Thought Provoking-7

Entertainment- 6